§ 37. Sir W. Davisonasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware of the infestation of Hyde Park by rats and, in particular, of the island which used to be a breeding ground for wildfowl; what action is being taken to deal with this matter; how many rats were destroyed in accordance with the Ministry of Food Infestation Order of 1943; and whether any report was made to the Ministry as required of local authorities under the terms of the Order.
§ Mr. SandysMy hon. Friend is mistaken in thinking that the provisions of the Ministry of Food Infestation Order of 1943 apply to Hyde Park. I am advised that the number of rats in the Park is not abnormal and has probably decreased in the last few years.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs it not a fact that owing to the large number of rats on that island in Hyde Park, the wild fowl which used to breed there and were a great 788 feature of the landscape, have ceased to breed there; having been driven off by the rats? Does the Minister not think it wrong that his Ministry should allow this infestation to take place in a Royal Park, when all the London boroughs are being urged to put a stop to infestation in the interests of the food supply?
§ Mr. SandysMy hon. Friend appears to be getting very worked up about this. I have made inquiries about the matter, and I am told that boatmen on the Serpentine have not noticed any unusual number of rats, and that rats are being killed at the rate of two a day.